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Latest Park News
Prior to November 2022
 © All photos are copyright of the photographer

Fungi, Mushrooms & Toadstools
4 October 2022

Without going into the nitty-gritty, they are not all the same thing, but most people use the words interchangeably. They are truly amazing organisms that seem to be some kind of plant, but genetically are closer to animals. Although you can find them in some form or other at anytime of year, there is a profusion of them in Autumn with the mild, damp weather. Our Park is jam packed with them, whether you look for them or not. Identifying them is sometimes very simple, but often very complex, as there are many specimens that look similar to others but have subtle differences. For this reason, never eat any fungi unless you are absolutely certain they are edible, and do not rely on identification apps as the sole means for identifying what you find.  Here are some pictures of fungi we have come across in the Park this season.

Say What You See
11 September 22

Our beautiful park is teeming with wildlife, but there is no coherent catalogue of what it may be. Therefore, the Friends of the Park's wildlife group is keen for you to report on what you see when you are out and about. In the past this could be done by email and now there is a standardised form for you to report on. You can still use email if you prefer by writing to fobcpwildlife@outlook.com or by using the new google form, forms.gle/Gc3YQwT3Qz1E5NTK7. We're really interested to hear about sightings of any wildlife including birds, mammals, and insects.
If you would like to join the next wildlife walk, then meet us at, the Dynamo House at 10am on Monday 12th Sep. You can join some members of the FoBCP Wildlife group for a walk round and tree seed gathering session. The plan is to collect good quality tree seeds from the country park (such as sweet chestnut, acorns) for us to subsequently pot up for us to plant next year. No experience needed!

Don't Ask What Your Park Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For Your Park
14 August 22

We have a range of wildlife walks planned for the coming months in the Park and would ideally like to find a volunteer Event's Coordinator/Administrator to support our walk leaders. This ‘behind the scenes’ role is to work with each walk leader to ensure we have a consistent approach to the walks e.g. simple risk assessments, avoid date clashes, promote the walks on our social media etc.

The second part of the role is to manage the list of attendees for each walk. Here, duties will involve working with the walk leader to ensure the walk is not oversubscribed. Then get the attendee list to the walk leader, so people can be checked off on the day or notified if the walk is cancelled. Time commitment is perhaps one or two hours per walk.

If you are interested, then please contact us at info@fbcp.org.uk As with all our volunteering roles, full support will be given.

The Beauty of Maps
9 August 22

Maps are many things to many people. To some, they are simply a tool to study the topography of a location, near or far. To some they are a thing of beauty and evocative of days gone by. The National Library of Scotland offers a facility on their website to view many versions of historic maps overlaid by the most up to date. Furthermore, the transparency of the layers can be adjusted, so you can see the changes of the land and its use over time. Below you will see the OS 1888 – 1913 map of what is now Mill Lakes together with the current map and also a blend of the two. This link will take you to the maps used here. The site offers hours of interest to anyone who is interested in maps, however slight.

Access Denied
1 August 22

Access to the Old Sand Quarry that used to be gained by climbing over or through the two gates close to the ranger's works yard has been secured and, No Access Signs, installed. Gedling Borough and Nottingham County Councils have ordered the gates secured to prevent public access amid fears that exposed steep cliff faces, banks, and gullies would pose a potential risk to the health and safety of visitors.

Car Park Changes Lock Up Times
14 July 22

The early closing time of the Bestwood Country Park car park on Park Road, Bestwood Village, has been commented on social media and also last night at the Bestwood Village Parish Council. This situation has now been reviewed, and we are pleased to let local residents and park users know that the car park will now come in line with the rest of the gate lock up times across Gedling.
So, lock/ up times will be:
June - July 9pm
Sept 1st - 8pm
Sept 15th -7pm
Oct 3rd -6pm
Oct 24th -5pm
Oct 31st 4pm

Friends Launch on Twitter
8 July 22

The Friends of Bestwood Country park media communications is now to include Twitter at https://twitter.com/FofBCP. The aim is to use Twitter to promote the Park and our activities to a wider audience who we may not reach through our website, newsletters, and Facebook.
By raising the profile of the Park across all our communication channels, we hope to achieve the Friends' vision of preserving and enhancing the Park and its wildlife for now and the generations that follow. The park is one of the most extraordinary wooded areas in the county, both historically and ecologically, and the aim is to promote it as one of the foremost attractions in the Nottingham area.

Up to Steam
27 June 22

Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers who undertook a massive restoration project, we can be proud of and amazed at the ingenuity and skill of the miners and engineers who brought coal from deep underground to the surface. Thanks to their efforts, the hard won, black, combustible rock, used to power the industrial revolution, changed the world forever. You can take a guided tour of the engine house for free and look in awe as tons and tons of iron and steel move gracefully in concert as if by magic. 

Rochelle Hyland, who visited the site on Saturday, said “Even my 7 and 10 year old left feeling amazed at the machinery inside and learning a bit more about their local history! Highly recommend joining a tour if you're able to on a Saturday morning, you may learn something new, like we did!”

The Winding Engine is usually open for free tours between 10am and 12noon on Saturday mornings all year round, but you should check with the Bestwood Country Park Rangers on  0115 927 3674 before you set out to avoid disappointment. You can find out more about the engine house here.

The Beast of Bestwood
23 June 22

From high society champagne and caviar parties to chip shop queues, there has been only one conversation on the lips of Bestwoodites, the Beast of Bestwood!
Sightings of an eerie spectre have been abounding for the past two weeks, but unsubstantiated by authorities. On the 8th June, a specialist tracker from NCC was called in to investigate, but alas, was unable to flush the creature from its devilish lair. Some people say it's an escaped werewolf that feeds on the blood of luckless visitors, others say it could be something as simple as a family of trapped deer. Who knows? But one thing is clear, don't go on to the moors after midnight if you have a liking for a sound skin.
~ An Artist's Impression Of The Beast ~

Just Look At What You Are Missing.
22 June 22

So you are indoors browsing the internet and came across this site, well just look at what you're missing. The sunlight is spectacular, but if sunshine and heat are not for you, then there is plenty of deliciously cool shade in the forest. Pack a bag of goodies, kids, dog or whatever and get out here. Just take a look at what you are missing. Thanks to H. Swain for capturing these photographs.

Walk On The Wild Side
11 June 2022

Have you ever been out walking and wondered what animal leaves prints like that? Or what bird is that singing in the tree? Well, wonder no longer, because Carl Cornish is organising a series of wildlife walks where you can answer these and many other questions. The next guided walk in the park is Saturday 25 June, starting at 8 am from the Dynamo House. This time, he will be looking out for other wildlife, as well as birds. Places are limited, so please book ahead by emailing Carl at Carl.Cornish@rspb.org.uk.

Have Your Say
10 June 2022

Are you interested in the running of our park? Or maybe you would like to express an opinion related to it. Why not come to the meeting of, The Friends of Bestwood Park? The next meeting will occur at the Dynamo House Café on Monday 13 June at 10am.

Smashed Windows Are a Pain
9 June 2022

A couple of windows at Alexandra Lodge have been smashed,.It is not clear if this was a case of vandalism or an attempted break in. The incident occurred out of hours for council staff and there was some confusion as to how to contact the council in an emergency. For future reference these are the numbers you need:
NCC's Emergency Number (0115 9773674) - for anything out of hours for Alexandra Lodge.
GBC's out of hours number (0800 0960306) - for GBC managed buildings/parts of the site such as the Winding Engine House & Dynamo House, paths fences and gates.

Your Park Needs You!
29 May 22

Don’t Be Afraid To Take Whisks For Your Park
18 May 2022

A scientific study that someone made up shows that people visiting the park love a drink and a slice of cake at the Dynamo Café. Unfortunately, the café often run out of cake due to demand outstripping supply.  This is why we are looking to recruit more volunteer bakers and to make sure nobody goes home feeling cheated. If you would like to help us out, please get in touch with Margret at 07890 284066.

Have You Seen This?
8 May 2022

The Dynamo Newsletter is packed with interesting articles and information concerning our wonderful park and the people who support it. You can find the latest printed edition in the café or if you prefer, you can find the digital version HERE.

Dynamo House Café Open This Sunday
7 May 2022

Are you planning a walk in the park tomorrow? (8 May 2022). The forecast is good, with temperatures due to hit 17 degrees. Why not reward yourselves with a nice cup of tea and a slice of heavenly home baked cakes at the Dynamo House Café? It's open TOMORROW, SUNDAY 8TH MAY, FROM 2pm - 4pm.  We hope also on all SUNDAY AFTERNOONS through the summer and early autumn months this year. It will be serving the usual drinks, and biscuits. This is of course in addition to our usual Saturday morning Café sessions each week. We hope lots of you will take advantage of the increased hours.

Tree Planting Schedule Upset
6 May 2022

You may have seen contractors preparing for planting the rest of the planned 18,000 trees in the park. However, due to previous bad weather, they won't be able to plant these now until the next tree planting season, beginning in October this year. The Greenwood Team hope to organise another community tree planting session - no dates available as yet, but will keep you posted.

Darling Buds of May Family Event
29 April 2022

For those who will be, or thinking of, attending the Darling Buds of May free family event this Bank Holiday Monday.

What is it for?
21 April 2022

Visitors to the park may have noticed a new construction in the car park of the Bestwood Lodge Hotel but what is it for? Adrian Sarin, manager at the hotel, has informed us that plan is for a small water fountain and flower bed and that they are being provided by The Jolly Gardener Nursery, located at the rear of the Hotel. Andy,  the Jolly Gardener, tells us that this will be a vintage stone fountain in the centre to reflect the architecture of the magnificent lodge and this will be surrounded by colourful planting. As well as a plant nursery with workshops, the Jolly Gardener also has a team of volunteers that are restoring the historic gardens, so they can be opened to the public for the first time in the history of the building. The nursery is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am till 4.30pm plus bank holiday Mondays. All plants are propagated on site taken from cuttings and seeds heads from the garden. If you visit the nursery by car don't forget to leave your car registration at the hotel reception to avoid fees and fines. It is hoped that the work  will be completed within the next couple of weeks. Watch this space..
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Flowerbed and Fountain Groundworks
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The Jolly Gardener Nursery

Monday Meeting
20 April 2022

clhart58@icloud.comThe next meeting of the FoBCP will take place on Monday 25 April at the Dynamo House at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting will not follow the usual agenda. We want to devote the entire meeting to agreeing our "vision for the park".
We want to collect everyone’s thoughts about how we see the park develop in the future.
Please come along and let us know what you think. If you can’t come along, share your ideas with us via info@fbcp.org.uk

Can You Help?
19 April 2022

An SOS has come in from our member and volunteer, Carol Hart, who asks whether anyone would be able to help her set up and run the plant stall at the "Darling Buds of May" event on 2nd May. She is gathering specimens quite well but will struggle with the logistics of setting up on the day.
Please contact her at ciahart@btinternet.com if you can help.
Ground Nesting Birds At Risk On Pit Tip Top
16 April 2022
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The grassy slopes on the old pit tip behind the Winding Engine House which have been used recently for the community tree planting are a haven for ground nesting birds and a myriad of other wildlife. Many of these birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits have seen a decline in numbers over the years and we ask walkers and dog owners to avoid the area and stay on the paths to preserve them. A walk there in the spring without the song of the skylark just wouldn't be the same.

Currently it is illegal for dogs to be let off the leash, or on a lead longer than two metres long, when on open access land during March, April, June and July.
Local Company Donate Trees
15 April 2022
A local tree care company have donated around 500 bare-rooted native trees (hawthorn, oak, hazel and Holly) which were gratefully accepted by the Rangers this week. These native shrubs and trees will be heeled in until the autumn when they will be planted in the park. A big thank you to Nathan and Duncan of Orchard Tree Care.
New Record Set At The Dynamo Cafe
13 April 2022
As word travels about the amazing home-made cakes and other refreshments on sale at the Dynamo House the cafe has seen steady growth of customer orders and revenue. Last weekend saw average takings at the cafe increase by around 35%. Thank you to all the customers and volunteer staff for for making this possible. If you are thinking of visiting the park, don't forget that the cafe opens every Saturday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on special occasions such as Bank Holidays.
Free Family Event
12 April 2022
Every one is invited to The Darling Buds of May free family event on Bank holiday Monday 2 May at the Dynamo House. There will be plenty for all to do as we help celebrate trees and blossoms during this season of new growth. Bug hunts, tree walks, children's crafts, a plant stall, and much more. There will be refreshments and cakes available at the Dynamo House Cafe but feel free to bring a picnic along with you. The event starts at noon and the activities start from 1pm with the things wrapping up at 4pm. As Pop Larkin might say, "It's gonna be a perfik family day."
Location: The Dynamo House, Bestwood Country Park, Park road, NG6 8UE.
Contact details: greenwood@nottscc.gov.uk or phone on 01159932600

Wildlife Group
3 April 2022

Our Wildlife Group has its first meeting on Friday 8 April at 10am in the classroom next to the Alexandra Lodge. We’re enthusiasts rather than experts but we would love you to come and join us - all welcome with no need to book, just turn up and bring your enthusiasm.

Jubilee Tree Planters
2 April 2022

We had an amazing turn out for the community tree planting for the Trees for Climate Platinum Jubilee Forest. The Dynamo House Cafe remained open all day to thaw out the intrepid people who took their nursery trees up the slope to settle them into their new position. Thank you to all those arranging the event and everyone who came along and took part.  Just a few of the photos from the day are set out below.

Community Tree Planting
30 March 2022

The delayed community tree planting event will take place this weekend at the Winding Engine end of the park. The event is by ticket only - to book a place click here. The Dynamo House cafe will be open all day 9.30am through to 3.30pm serving refreshments so do drop in for a drink even if you are not planting.

Great Work By The Volunteers
29 March 2022

The enthusiastic group of Thursday volunteers, under the watchful eye of Sue McDonald, have completed the hedge-laying work along the path behind the Winding Engine House. Attacking the wild hawthorn over several weeks they have thinned it out and tamed it into an ordered, dense hedge again. Topped off with the typical local "Midlands-style" twisted willow binder, the hedge now looks very neat and just needs a year of growth on it to soften the edges and fill the gaps. Well done to the whole team.
There are more photos of them in action in the gallery.

Inspired By Nature
23 March 2022

PictureNeedle & thread
The Inspired By Nature embroidery course, funded by Miner2Major, is on its penultimate week of the planned 5 week course. Inspired by lots of images in books as well as the surroundings of the Dynamo House, the intrepid group of novice sewers put their needles to work capturing leaves, flowers, trees and even sheep in thread. The results of their work can be viewed in the gallery.

Don't Fence Me in
18 March 2022

Visitors to the park have noticed the large fence that has been erected around some of the grassland areas behind the Winding Engine House. There has been lots of speculation what the fencing is for.  We would like to confirm that the fence it to keep deer out of the area set aside for tree planting. This means the trees do not need to have individual protection wrapped around them as they can be protected together as a plantation. Once the trees are established the fence will be removed,,,but that might take a little time.

Misty Morning Photos
18 March 2022

Helen Swain was out very early this morning and captured some beautiful misty shots from the park. Check them out in the gallery,

Tree Planting
17 March 2022

Pupils from Butler’s Hill Infants School and Hawthorne Primary School sent teams of young tree planters into the park on 8 March 2022 as part of a DEFRA backed project. The idea being to create climate combating woodlands in England’s Community Forests, which includes Nottinghamshire’s Greenwood Community Forest.
The pupils planted field maple, holly, cherry and oak saplings which will hopefully grow to provide a rich habitat and support more life forms than any other native trees. The children each received a certificate thanking them for their help, not only in combating climate change, but also for their part in celebrating The Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Do you want to do your bit in celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee and helping to fight climate change too? Well if you're free on Saturday 2nd April you can do just that. Tickets are essential! You can find them and other information here. Don't forget that a society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.

Hedge-Laying Update
16 March 2022

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We have a few more images of the conservation team in action with the hedge-laying along the path behind the Winding Engine House.

Check out more images in the gallery.

Species Walk
15 March 2022

Places on this guided walk will be limited and booking is essential.
You can book here.

Time To Book
14 March 2022

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Booking is now open for anyone to secure their place at the rescheduled tree planting event in Bestwood Country Park. The new date of 2 April offers two sessions for planting - morning (10.30am to 12.30pm) and afternoon (1.30pm to 3.30pm).
As the new date is a Saturday the Dynamo House Community Cafe will be open serving drinks and cakes in the morning but we will extend the opening into the afternoon but just serving drinks and complementary biscuits.
To book your place just click here.

Tree Planting Update
10 March 2022

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Following discussions a new date has been set for the delayed community tree planting. Please make a note in your diary for Saturday 2 April 2022.
The times will remain the same:  10:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Those with tickets from the previous event will be contacted to re-book before new tickets are on general release.

Twitter At The Dynamo House
9 March 2022

The second session of the Inspired by Nature embroidery course took place at the Dynamo House yesterday and focused on birds. This gave the group a chance to learn and then practice their satin stitch skills. If any other people on the course would like to share their photos please send them to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk

Tree Planting Event Cancelled
4 March 2022

The planned community tree planting on Sunday 6th March is now cancelled.
The organisers have decided that the heavy rain overnight which has continued into this morning has rendered the site unsafe for public access to the planting area. Further rain is forecast for later today and into tomorrow meaning that the access points and indeed the planting positions will likely remain underwater or heavily waterlogged. They have therefore unfortunately taken the sad decision to postpone the event until another Sunday later in the spring. Ticket holders will be contacted once a new date has been set.
This means that the Dynamo House will not be open on Sunday to support the event.

Inspired Sewing
1 March 2022

The Dynamo House was turned into a classroom today when tutor, Lucy Patterson, guided 8 keen pupils through their first session of "Embroidery Inspired By Nature". Today's theme was insects and the aim was to capture a creepy crawly using running stitch and whip stitch. Along with the new sewing skills new friendships were made as the group chatted away over a coffee as they worked.

Bird Walk
1 March 2022

Following a very successful bird walk recently, the date of Saturday 2 April 2022 has been set for the next one. We will meet at 8:00am at the Dynamo House and walk in the Mill Lakes area, guided again by RSPB expert, Carl Cornish. Refreshments will of course be available at the Dynamo House Cafe when we return. As usual we need you to book a place on the walk - just email carl.cornish@rspb.org.uk. to secure your place.

Cafe Changes
28 February 2022

PictureVolunteers Yvonne & Joanne
In a bid to serve even more of our park visitors with refreshments the Dynamo House Community Cafe will be changing its opening hours. From now onwards the Saturday opening hours will be 9.30am to 12.30pm. This means we can now catch the folk taking part in parkrun as well as our early dog walkers.

So make sure you don't leave it too late arriving at the park or you might find you have missed the chance to have your cake and eat it!

Veteran & Ancient Tree Recording
18 February 2022

In partnership with the Friends of Bestwood Country Park, Miner2Major Landscape Scheme and Gedling Borough Council, the Woodland Trust will be running an exciting 3-day event to record all ancient and veteran trees across this historic Park. Ancient and veteran trees are irreplaceable. Steeped in history, these impressive trees have been standing tall for hundreds of years, witnessing momentous historical events while providing invaluable homes for wildlife. The older the tree, the more vital to wildlife it is.

Dates: 1st - 3rd March 2022
Location: Bestwood Country Park*
Cost: FREE (booking essential)

If you would like to learn more about trees & become more involved in the conservation of your local park, this is the ideal event for you. No experience necessary as training will be provided but a passion for wildlife and basic tree knowledge would be a benefit. Recording materials will be provided for the duration of the event. Following the training day, attendees will be allocated sections of the site to record with a partner from the group. Support and supervision will be provided throughout.

Day One (for all attendees) 1st March
- Introduction to ancient and veteran trees and why they are important
- Winter tree ID
- How to identify and record trees

Days Two and Three (attendees can choose both or either day) 2nd & 3rd March
- on-site survey and recording

There will be a follow-up presentation to share the results of everyone’s efforts and to celebrate these important natural history features of our local landscape.
Spaces are limited please email Louise Hackett to book a place louisehackett@woodlandtrust.org.uk by February 27th 2022

* Joining instructions will be sent to those booked onto the event. The training day will include both indoor and outdoor
sessions. Covid guidelines will be followed at the event and we ask that all participants take a lateral flow test before arriving. If government guidelines change, this event may move to another date.

The Early Bird...
14 February 2022

It seems that the customers of the Dynamo House Cafe can't wait for us to open on Saturday mornings. We are always very busy as soon as we open the doors while the last half hour has become very quiet. Perhaps it's because no one wants to arrive too late and find that there's no cake left. Well these keen customers will be pleased to hear that from the beginning of March we will be amending our opening times to 9.30am to 12.30pm. We hope that everyone will be pleased with the change.

Become Our Eyes & Ears
13 February 2022

If you think you could help or want to find out more, please email us on info@fbcp.org.uk

Bursary Update
3 February 2022

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You may not be aware that the Friends of Bestwood Country Park use some of their money to provide an annual bursary for a Nottingham University student. The only proviso is that they do research into their chosen subject on some aspect of the natural world in the country park.

The current student, Ieuan Lamb, has been studying solitary bees. His project is coming to a close now so Ieuan has given a summary report on his work in the form of a zoom lecture - you can see it on YouTube by clicking here.

The Healthy Option
2 February 2022

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Once a month Sue McDonald leads a 90 minute "Health Walk around the footpaths of Bestwood Country Park. The guided walk is free to attend and attracts a good crowd. There is lots of chatter en route and any questions about the trees, animals and birds you encounter along the way can (usually) be answered by Sue. There is even the promise of a cup of tea or coffee back in the warmth of the Dynamo House at the end of the walk. The February walk was well attended and there are some photos of the walk in the gallery.
The next "Health Walk" will set off from the Dynamo House at 10.30am on 2 March. We hope to see you there.

The Dynamo  - New Issue Available
1 February 2022

The latest edition of the Friends of Bestwood Country Park newsletter "The Dynamo" is available to read. You can click on the images below or download as a PDF file.
fobcp__dynamo_newsletter_jan_2022.pdf
File Size: 4542 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Kite Flying Weather
31 January 2022

PictureRed Kite by Rodney Yates
Regular park visitor Rodney Yates caught this lovely image of a red kite flying over the park. The distinctive forked tail and russet colouring makes identification very easy. Once a rarity in the UK red kite are increasing in numbers so keep your eyes peeled.

If you spot anything interesting whilst out on your travels in the country park or around Mill Lakes please let us know.

Ceremonial Tree Planting
30 January 2022

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Yesterday at around 11am some Friends gathered in the Winding Engine House compound to help plant a new crab-apple. Several people took a turn with the spade to settle in the tree and photos of them in action can be found in the gallery.
The tree will form the focus of The Darling Buds of May event which will celebrate the trees of our native woodland later this year.

There I Was, Diggin' This Hole...
28 January 2022

Yesterday you may have seen two gentlemen digging a large hole by the Dynamo House. They were following a map with a point marked X but were not looking for treasure. They were preparing a hole for the tree planting happening on Saturday. The tree to be planted is a beautiful crab-apple which will offer spring flowers for the bees, habitat for the summer insects & birds, as well as fruit for everyone in the autumn. There may even be some crab-apple jelly on sale in the Dynamo House if the birds don't beat us to all the fruits. The tree is sponsored by NCC Minor2Major project and will be the focus of an event later in the year called "The Darling Buds of May".

Spotted In The Park
27 January 2022

PictureRedwing by Steve Plewinski
If you are out & about in the park and spot something interesting please let us know. Mammals, birds, reptiles and insects are all newsworthy along with any budding or blossoming plants. We love to receive your updates, especially if you can capture them in a picture. Send your photos of the park to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk like Steve Plewinski did when he snapped this handsome redwing, one of the thrush family.

Cafe Reopening
24 January 2022

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After careful consideration we have decided to reopen the Dynamo House Community Cafe on Saturday mornings starting on Saturday 29th January. This will potentially be a busy day in the park as it will be the Bestwood parkrun anniversary race which always attracts more runners than usual. There will also be a special tree planting event in the Winding Engine House compound as a precursor to the planned "Darling Buds of May" event, which will take place later in the year.
We look forward to seeing you at the cafe for drinks and home-made cakes between 10am & 1pm on any future Saturday. Mask wearing inside is not mandatory but would  be much appreciated by the staff volunteers whilst you are at the counter.

Hedge Your Bets
23 January 2022

The park volunteers have been out laying hedges alongside the pathways recently. This ongoing work creates amazing linear nature reserves for the wildlife in the park whilst keeping stray animals out of certain areas. Keep an eye out for both the volunteers and the results of their efforts over the coming months.

FoBCP Meeting
6 January 2022

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Our first meeting of 2022 will be on 10 January at 10am and will take place on Zoom to avoid spreading Covid-19. I know everyone hopes that our next one will be in person but for now you can do your hair, put a nice top over your PJs and meet us on line.

The agenda is set out here and if you would like the link to join the meeting please drop us a line on the contact us form.

300 And Counting
5 January 2022

PictureJoin now
We were delighted to see today that we had passed the milestone of 300 members of our facebook group. If you would like to join in the fun, post some park photos, ask a question or discuss park issues with fellow visitors just apply to join the group. You will need to answer the simple entry questions (it's not a quiz!) - just click here

Happy New Year
1 January 2022

Although there are very few organised events taking place in the park, and the Dynamo House Cafe and Winding Engine House remain closed on Saturdays, we want to remind you that the park is always open. Whether you are running off those extra Christmas pounds, exercising the dog, taking the kids to the adventure playground, birdwatching, meeting up with friends for a coffee on a bench with a view or simply walking for the sheer pleasure of being out in nature, Bestwood Country Park is there for you. With free parking and no entrance fee it's an activity that won't break the bank. We look forward to seeing you enjoying the park in the coming year.

The Early Bird...
22 December 2021

PictureBook early to avoid disappointment
...in this case gets to go on the winter bird walk. Booking is now open for the free guided bird walk in Bestwood Country Park which will be taking place at 8am on Saturday 12 February 2022 and will be lead by Carl Cornish. You need to be 19+ to apply. The form is a bit of a faff but well worth it.
To reserve one of the limited spaces just click on the link to the Inspire website and book your place today. Winter Bird Walk - Bestwood Country Park

Dynamo House & WEH Closure - Update
16 December 2021

After discussions with our shift leaders, a decision has regretfully been taken, in light of the rising corona virus infections, to temporarily suspend our Dynamo House Cafe and Winding Engine House Tours on Saturday mornings. The volunteer team will be reviewing the situation every week, and we will let you know when we plan to re-open. One guess is that it may be mid to late January.
Meanwhile, have a good Christmas. The park will always be there to offer you space to exercise, walk & talk or just enjoy the views and we hope the weather allows you to have some good park walks!
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The view from Andy's Adventure Playground - Rob Carlyle

Dynamo House Closure
3 December 2021

Don't be too downhearted - it's only for one day - The Dynamo House will NOT be open on Saturday 25 December, for obvious reasons. However, to compensate for this we will be open on Sunday 26th December instead. So if you find yourself with those Boxing Day blues, take a walk in the park and drop by the Dynamo House Cafe between 10am and 1pm and I'm sure it will cheer your day.

Getting To The Nub Of It
30 November 2021

PictureVolunteers at the "hidden gem" cafe
Last Saturday a reporter from the Hucknall Nub News visited us at the Dynamo House to enjoy our coffee & cakes and to find out a little more about the place. Nick had chanced upon the cafe the previous week but had been too late to buy any of our cakes as we had sold out. This time he made sure that he was in good time so as not to miss out. He also took the time to chat to the volunteers & take a few photos.
To read Nick's article in the Hucknall Nub News click here. You could then scroll down through the other interesting articles and maybe even subscribe to the newsfeed. It's well worth a read.

Smoke Signals
14 November 2021

Anyone out in the park around lunchtime today would have seen plumes of smoke rising into the sky from the Hucknall direction. A large fire had broken out in a recycling depot in the Wigwam Lane area and smoke could be seen for many miles. Several people captured images of the spectacle including our Chair, Rob Carlyle, who took this dramatic image from a high point in the country park.

Autumn Colours
14 November 2021

Helen Swain sent us some images of the autumn colours in the park from this morning. If you would like to see them they are in the 2021 gallery.

On A Cold & Frosty Morning
7 November 2021

Picture
Helen Swain was out in the park this morning despite the recent dip in temperature. She captured some big skies, the lonely Winding House and a few of the plants hanging on into the winter months which help to support the wildlife.
If you would like to see more of her beautiful photos just click over to the 2021 gallery.
News from October 2021 - November 2020 is stored on our News Archive page here
News from October 2020 - November 2018 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from October 2018 - November 2016 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from October 2016 - November 2015 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from November 2015 and before is stored on our News Archive page here.